NEW DELHI: Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde's appalling indifference to the growing public outrage over the gang-rape of a young woman was on display once again on Monday when he said that it was not practical to expect the government or its leaders to engage with the protestors.

"If we meet students today, we may have to meet Maoists tomorrow. I cannot go and meet them. We cannot set a precedent. Tomorrow, if 100 adivasis are killed in Chhattisgarh or Gadchiroli, can the government go there? It is because this is Delhi you want us to go there," Shinde told a private TV channel.

Shinde justified police action against protestors, who comprised students and women, and said that some hooligans and goondas had entered the crowd. "Hooligans and goondas had joined the protesters and were damaging public property and pelting stones, after which the police took action," he said.

The home minister came close to suggesting that the angry crowd that congregated at the India Gate should have called off their protests after his leader, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, met a group of seven protestors. "Soniaji had met some of the protesters on Saturday night and also assured of action. Then why such incidents occurred the next day," Shinde asked.

Shinde said the government was committed to speedy action to tackle crime against women. "I have called a meeting with all state DGPs and state chief secretaries on January 4 to get details of rape incidents across the country and what action is needed to curb them," Shinde said.

The home minister rejected the demand for special session of Parliament, saying that he has given one month time and will ensure action within the time-frame. BJP leader and leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj had demanded a special session on the issue.

When asked what his opinion on public anger over huge security being provided to VIPs and the common man feeling insecure on the roads of Delhi, Shinde said he will look into the issue. "I have collected suggestions and will work on it."

The home minister's statement comparing Delhi protestors with armed Maoists incensed not only the agitators but also the opposition parties. "This only shows that the home minister lacks sensitivity to deal with the problem. He cannot see the rising anger on the streets of Delhi," said BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar. CPM leader Brinda Karat said she was distressed by Shinde's statement. "It is difficult to understand this home minister," Karat said.